Vayera - Hashem's Revelation

What is the idea of Hashem revealing Himself to Avraham after he performs the bris (circumcision)? Why does Hashem not seem to say anything? What are the problems with the Rambam's understanding that the entire interaction of Avraham with the angels was the revelation? When does one experience a vision of an angel? Is that at the same level as a revelation of Hashem Himself? What was the purpose of Hashem's revelation to Avraham at this time?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 23:58

Mishpatim - Preparatory Angel

Why does Hashem inform the Jewish people of their future in the very midst of the revelation at Sinai? Is the angel who will lead them in the future a positive or negative force? What is the reassurance to Jacob that he can 'ascend the ladder' and that he will never fall, if the Jewish people could sin and fall? What is the significance of the angel's presence in the blessings and in times of trouble?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 25:11

Vayishlach - Rising Above Angels

How can we understand the contrast between when Jacob returns to Israel and battles with the angel, as opposed to when he left Israel and just passively observed them climbing and descending the ladder? What is the depth of the idea of the name of Esav's angel, which denotes 'blinding?' Why does Jacob have all these traumatic experiences on his return to Israel? Why is the battle with the angel in the center of the description of his encounter with Esav - before he even meets him? Why did Jacob 'remain behind by himself?' Why did this bring about the struggle with the angel? What is the meaning of the midrash's statement that 'all the Hashem will do in the future, the righteous do in this world?'

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 24:44

Mishpatim - Angel of Redemption

What is the depth of the three different teachings about what the angel is that Hashem sends to lead the Jewish people - a literal angel, a prophet and the ark of the covenant? What is the concept of an angel? Why does Hashem tell Yaakov to climb the ladder he saw in his dream - the one the angels were climbing? When does Hashem send an angel, and when does Hashem Himself lead the Jewish people? Why is the presence of an angel always accompanied by Hashem's presence and a redemption?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 24:36

Mishpatim - Partners in Reality

What is the significance of the angel that guides the Jewish people into Israel? Why does Hashem hint to the future sin of the Jewish people at the very time that they are coming into their relationship with Hashem? Why does this angel (Michael) act in a mode of strict justice if it usually corresponds to the attribute of Mercy? What does Rashi mean when he says that just as the previous parsha was from Sinai, so too our parsha? Why was the Sanhedrin placed next to the Temple? Why was it important to explain the deeper meanings of the commandments to the Jewish people?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.